Institute for Social & Cultural Research ISCR NICH

21/09/2026

🇧🇿 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐲, 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞!
We extend a warm Independence Day greeting to all Belizeans, at home and abroad.

On Independence Day 1981, Prime Minister Rt. Hon. George Price proclaimed:
“Belize is a people with all the attributes of nationhood, having one flag, one government, one constitution.”

Forty-five years later, these words resonate with the foundations of our nationhood and Belizean identity.

🇧🇿 Happy 45th Independence Day, Belize!

View the full address on Access501:
Link: https://501academy.edu.bz/2023/01/13/gpc11/
bz

18/09/2026

Magical History Tour concludes in Corozal Town

The Belize @45 Magical History Tour reached its final stop in Corozal Town on September 16, bringing to a close a nationwide journey of dialogue, critical reflection, and deeper engagement with the history that has shaped Belize.

Led by the Institute for Social & Cultural Research (ISCR-NICH) in partnership with historian Dr. Assad Shoman, the tour travelled across the country inviting Belizeans to look critically at the struggle for independence, the experiences that have shaped our national story, and the continuing work of decolonization.

In Corozal, the final stop of the tour brought together students from Escuela Secundaria Técnica México, Corozal Community College, and Cornerstone Presbyterian High School for thought-provoking conversations on Belize’s history, national identity, and the diverse experiences that continue to shape our country. Students were encouraged to ask questions, share perspectives, and consider how the stories of our past continue to speak to Belize today.

The conversation continued that evening at the Corozal House of Culture, where a public forum brought together community leaders and residents to revisit our shared history, exchange perspectives, and reflect on how a deeper understanding of the past can help shape the Belize we envision for the future.

As the Magical History Tour concludes, its journey across Belize leaves behind more than a series of conversations. It leaves questions to consider, histories to revisit, and an invitation to continue the dialogue about who we are, where we have come from, and the Belize we are still building together.

ISCR-NICH extends heartfelt appreciation to the students, educators, community leaders, and residents who opened their classrooms, communities, and conversations to this initiative. Your questions, perspectives, and willingness to engage are an important part of keeping our history alive.

𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚𝐭 𝐌𝐞. 𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝟒𝟓.

This initiative is made possible thanks to the National Celebrations Commission, the National Institute of Culture and History, and our valued partners, including the University of Belize.

17/09/2026

BZE @45 MAGICAL HISTORY TOUR
📍Corozal Town

16/09/2026

𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐎𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐧

The Belize @45 Magical History Tour continued its journey through Orange Walk Town on September 15, creating spaces for meaningful dialogue, critical reflection, and deeper engagement with the history that has shaped Belize.

Led by the Institute for Social & Cultural Research (ISCR-NICH) in partnership with historian Dr. Assad Shoman, the tour encourages Belizeans to reflect on the struggle for independence, the experiences that have shaped our national story, and the ongoing work of decolonization.

The tour engaged high school students from New Hope High School, Muffles College High School, and Orange Walk Technical High School in thought-provoking conversations on Belize’s history, national identity, and the diverse experiences that continue to shape our country. Students were invited to ask questions, share perspectives, and consider how the stories of our past connect to Belize today.

That evening, the conversation continued at the Banquitas House of Culture, where a public forum brought together community leaders and residents. The forum provided a space to revisit our shared history, exchange perspectives, and reflect on how a deeper understanding of the past can inform the Belize we envision for the future.

ISCR-NICH extends its appreciation to the students, educators, community leaders, and residents of Orange Walk Town for bringing their curiosity, questions, and voices to these important conversations.

𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚𝐭 𝐌𝐞. 𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝟒𝟓.
This initiative is made possible thanks to the National Celebrations Commission, the National Institute of Culture and History, and our valued partners, including the University of Belize.

16/09/2026

BZE @45 MAGICAL HISTORY TOUR
📍Orange Walk Town

12/09/2026

𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲

The Belize @45 Magical History Tour continued its journey in Belize City, creating spaces for meaningful dialogue, critical reflection, and deeper engagement with the history that has shaped our nation.

Led by the Institute for Social & Cultural Research (ISCR-NICH) in partnership with historian Dr. Assad Shoman, the tour invites Belizeans to reflect critically on the struggle for independence, the experiences that have shaped our national story, and the ongoing work of decolonization.

On September 8, the conversation began at the Belize City House of Culture with a public forum that brought together community leaders and residents. The evening offered an opportunity to revisit our shared history, exchange perspectives, and consider how understanding the past can help us shape the Belize we want for the future.

The conversation continued on September 11, as Dr. Shoman engaged high school students in thought-provoking discussions on Belize’s history and national identity. Students and representatives from Anglican Cathedral College, Edward P. Yorke High School, Nazarene High School, Belize Rural High School, Sadie Vernon Technical High School, St. John’s College, Maud Williams High School, and Saint Catherine Academy explored the stories, struggles, and diverse perspectives that continue to shape Belize.

We extend our appreciation to the students, educators, community leaders, and residents of Belize City who brought their curiosity, questions, and voices to these conversations.

Next Stop: Orange Walk and Corozal
September 15 & 16, 2026 (respectively)

We encourage you to RSVP here:
https://tinyurl.com/Magical-History-Tour

𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚𝐭 𝐌𝐞. 𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝟒𝟓.
This initiative is made possible thanks to the National Celebrations Commission, the National Institute of Culture and History, and our valued partners, including the University of Belize.

10/09/2026

𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐦𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐧

The Belize @45 Magical History Tour continued its journey across the country with meaningful engagements in Belmopan, Cayo District, bringing history, dialogue, and critical reflection into classrooms and community spaces.

Led by the Institute for Social & Cultural Research (ISCR-NICH) in partnership with historian Dr. Assad Shoman, the tour invites Belizeans to look critically at the struggle for independence, the experiences that have shaped our nation, and the ongoing work of decolonization.

On September 7, 2026, Dr. Shoman engaged students at Belmopan Methodist High School in thought-provoking conversations on Belize’s history. Students and representatives from Our Lady of Guadeloupe High School and Belize Christian Academy also joined the discussion, exploring the stories, struggles, and diverse perspectives that have shaped and continue to shape our national identity.

That evening, despite a power outage, the conversation continued at the George Price Center for Peace and Development, where community leaders and residents gathered for a public forum. The discussion created space to revisit our shared history, exchange perspectives, and consider how understanding the past can help shape the Belize we build today.

Thank you to the students of Belmopan Methodist High School, Our Lady of Guadeloupe High School, Belize Christian Academy, and the people of Belmopan, for bringing your curiosity, energy, and thoughtful voices to the conversation. Your participation continues to make the Magical History Tour a space for dialogue, reflection, and learning as we look toward Belize’s future.

Next Stop: Orange Walk and Corozal
September 15 & 16, 2026 (respectively)

We encourage you to RSVP here:
https://tinyurl.com/Magical-History-Tour
𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚𝐭 𝐌𝐞. 𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝟒𝟓.

This initiative is made possible thanks to the National Celebrations Commission, the National Institute of Culture and History, and our valued partners, including the University of Belize.

09/09/2026

🇧🇿 Keeping Independence Alive: Belize @45! 🇧🇿

Join BELPRI-UB & ISCR-NICH for a two-day research conference exploring Belize’s journey since Independence, our achievements, challenges, and the road ahead.
📅 30 September–1 October 2026
🕘 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
📍 UB Conference Center, Belmopan City, Belize

Open to the public | Registration required

🔗 Register here: https://forms.gle/S8sh7BYKp8NKr2rr7

View Conference Information: https://tinyurl.com/BZ-45-conference-info

Thank you for your interest in attending the Belize @45 Conference on 30 September - 01 October 2026 at the UB Conference Center at the Belmopan Campus. Please complete this form to register.

09/09/2026

📢 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐊𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐏 𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄 - 𝐒𝐚𝐧 𝐏𝐞𝐝𝐫𝐨 & 𝐂𝐚𝐲𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐮𝐥𝐤𝐞𝐫

The Belize Food Heritage Project workshop for San Pedro & Caye Caulker has been rescheduled to:
📅 October 22–24, 2026
📍 San Pedro Town

Already registered? Your registration remains valid!

We look forward to welcoming all registered participants as we document, celebrate, and safeguard our food heritage in San Pedro and Caye Caulker.

09/09/2026

𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐪𝐮𝐞 𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐣𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐧

The Belize @45 Magical History Tour continued its journey across the country with meaningful engagements in Benque Viejo del Carmen, Cayo District, bringing history, dialogue, and critical reflection into spaces where communities come together.

Led by the Institute for Social & Cultural Research (ISCR-NICH), in partnership with historian Dr. Assad Shoman, the tour encourages Belizeans to reflect critically on the struggle for independence, the experiences that have shaped our nation, and the ongoing work of decolonization.

On September 4, 2026, Dr. Shoman engaged students at Mopan Technical High School in thought-provoking discussions on Belize’s history. Students were encouraged to explore the stories, struggles, and diverse perspectives that have shaped, and continue to shape, our national identity.

The conversation continued that evening at the Benque House of Culture, where community leaders and residents came together for an engaging public forum. The discussion provided an opportunity to share perspectives, revisit our history, and consider how understanding our past can inform the Belize we build today.

Thank you to the students of Mopan Technical High School and the people of Benque Viejo del Carmen for bringing your curiosity, energy, and thoughtful voices to the conversation. Your participation made this stop of the Magical History Tour a meaningful space for dialogue, reflection, and learning.

Next Stop: Orange Walk and Corozal
September 15 & 16, 2026 (respectively)

We encourage you to RSVP here:
https://tinyurl.com/Magical-History-Tour
𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚𝐭 𝐌𝐞. 𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝟒𝟓.

This initiative is made possible thanks to the National Celebrations Commission, the National Institute of Culture and History, and our valued partners, including the University of Belize.